This online course consists of 7 Modules, each containing 2 to 5 videos. Each module can be watched separately or as a sequence, while the whole course is worthed 1 ECTS.

Module 1 – provides information about military pollution, how it affects the environment, what are the sources and types of military pollutants, what is the impact on people’s health and how is it monitored.
Module 2 – the focus is being moved on depleted uranium and its chemical, toxic and radioactive properties especially those related to humans and the environment.
Module 3 – aims at understanding how DU came into use, what are the causes of its military use, where it is produced, distributed, where it has been used for military purposes.
Module 4 – tends to explain exposure and entry routes for DU and its genotoxicity in humans. Adverse effects of DU exposure and biomonitoring approaches are discussed.
Module 5 – aims on acquisition of basic knowledge of depleted uranium in the environment (air, water and soil) including sources, basic behavior and effects of DU in air, water and soil.
Module 6 – the focus is on understanding how depleted uranium affects agriculturally significant organisms; how it is transported along the food chain; how it affects human and animal health.
Module 7 – the aim is to understand different biobased strategies of DU removal from the environment.

2. Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should acquire the following knowledge and skills:

Identify the sources of military pollution.
Describe the characteristics and applications of depleted uranium (DU).
Understand the entry pathways and adverse effects of DU on humans and the environment.
Suggest potential decontamination approaches for DU.
Analyze case studies involving the use of depleted uranium in various scenarios.
Formulate an informed opinion regarding the potential banning of depleted uranium.
Apply analytical skills to evaluate complex environmental and health issues.
Foster creativity in problem-solving approaches related to DU contamination.

3. Structure of the course

Module 1: Military pollution – sources and threats

Military pollution in war and peacetime

Military pollution is a silent but deadly threat to our environment. In this video, Dr. Maida Hadzic Omanovic from the University of Sarajevo explores how military activities – both in war and peacetime – contribute to toxic contamination, harming ecosystems, human health, and accelerating climate change. From hazardous emissions to long-lasting soil and water pollution, the environmental impact of military operations is often overlooked. But what are the real consequences, and how can we mitigate this damage?

Join us as we uncover the hidden costs of military pollution and discuss strategies for a more sustainable future.

This lecture is part of TOXLEARN4EU, a project dedicated to modernizing toxicology education. Watch now to learn how military waste affects you and what can be done to reduce its impact.

Stay informed—watch now.

Military pollutants – environmental challenge

Military activities have a massive but often overlooked impact on our environment. In this video, we explore the types and sources of military pollutants and how they contaminate soil, air, and water. From explosives like TNT and RDX to heavy metals and chemical spills, these pollutants pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Understanding the environmental footprint of military operations is crucial for addressing these challenges.

This lesson is part of TOXLEARN4EU, a project dedicated to modernizing toxicology education. Join us as we break down the science behind military pollution, its sources, and potential solutions.

If you’re interested in environmental toxicology, pollution science, or military sustainability, this video is for you!

Subscribe for more insights into toxicology and environmental health.

Military pollutants – exposure, intake and accumulation

Military personnel and nearby populations are often exposed to toxic pollutants, but do we really understand the risks? In this lecture from TOXLEARN4EU experts, we break down exposure categories, how military pollutants enter the body, accumulate over time, and cause serious health effects.

From airborne toxins to contaminated water and soil, this course dives deep into the science behind exposure and its long-term impact. Whether you’re a toxicology student, military professional, or someone concerned about environmental health, this video will help you grasp the real dangers of pollutant exposure and how to assess risk. Knowledge is the first step toward protection.

Watch now and learn how pollutants affect health in military environments.

Don’t forget to like and comment for more insights into toxicology and exposure science!

Biomonitoring in military pollution

Did you know that military pollution can leave chemical fingerprints in our bodies? In this video, we explore biomonitoring, a crucial tool for detecting toxic exposures from military operations. From heavy metals in soldiers’ blood to chemical pollutants affecting local communities, we break down how scientists uncover these invisible threats.

Through real-world case studies, we discuss the challenges, ethical concerns, and breakthroughs in military toxicology.

This is part of the TOXLEARN4EU project, aimed at modernizing toxicology education and raising awareness about military-related environmental health risks.

If you’re curious about how pollution impacts human health, this is a must-watch. Hit play and start learning!

Module 2: Chemical, toxic and radioactive properties of depleted uranium

Chemical properties of depleted uranium

Depleted uranium (DU) has complex chemical, toxic, and radioactive properties that raise important environmental and health concerns. This module, part of TOXLEARN4EU, explores DU’s behaviour, its effects on biological systems, and its long-term environmental impact. Understanding these risks is essential for toxicologists, researchers, and environmental health professionals.

If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of toxic substances, this video provides expert insights into modern toxicology.

Whether you’re a student, scientist, or simply curious about the science behind hazardous materials, this video will give you a clear, evidence-based perspective.

Toxic properties of depleted uranium

What makes depleted uranium both toxic and radioactive? In this expert-led lecture from TOXLEARN4EU, we examine the chemical and health risks of uranium exposure. Used in military applications and present in the environment, depleted uranium has been linked to various health concerns—but how serious are they?

We compare uranium’s toxicity to other heavy metals like mercury and arsenic, explaining its effects on the human body and the ecosystem. Whether you’re a toxicology student or just fascinated by environmental hazards, this video gives you the facts in a clear and engaging way.

Stay informed and dive into the world of toxic substances with us.

Don’t forget to like and share for more lessons on chemical safety and toxicology!

Radioactive properties of depleted uranium

Depleted uranium is widely used, but what do we really know about its radioactive properties and health effects? In this lecture, we explore the science behind depleted uranium – its chemical, toxic, and radioactive characteristics – while addressing the potential radiation hazards. How does exposure impact human health? What safety measures can be taken? This video, part of the TOXLEARN4EU project, is designed to modernize toxicology education with clear, research-backed insights.

Whether you’re a student, researcher, or just curious about radiation and toxic substances, this lecture will help you understand the crucial risks and realities of depleted uranium exposure.

Stay informed, stay safe, and join us on this journey into the science of toxicology!

Module 3: Background of DU use, military applications, production and distribution

Introduction in uranium and depleted uranium discovery and applications

Discover the fascinating history and diverse applications of uranium and depleted uranium in this engaging introduction from the TOXLEARN4EU project. Join Anja Haveric as she takes you on a journey through the discovery of uranium in the 18th century and its evolution into one of the most significant elements in modern science and industry. From groundbreaking scientific advancements to its use in energy, technology, and beyond, this course provides an accessible yet detailed exploration of uranium’s role in shaping the world we know today.

Perfect for students, educators, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of toxicology and its connections to uranium, this video is part of our effort to modernize teaching and make complex topics more approachable.

Start your learning journey now and gain valuable insights into this powerful element and its impact on our lives.

How depleted uranium entered into military use

Dive into the fascinating history and characteristics of depleted uranium (DU) and its entry into military use in this in-depth exploration. This video breaks down why DU, once considered a waste product, became a valuable material for modern warfare due to its density, armour-piercing capabilities, and availability. Learn how nations first utilized DU in nuclear programs and later repurposed it for military applications. We’ll also address the environmental and health implications tied to its use, providing a balanced perspective for anyone curious about the science, history, and controversy surrounding this material.

This is part of TOXLEARN4EU, a project modernizing toxicology education to help students and professionals better understand the impact of hazardous materials.

Join us as we unpack the science, the stories, and the lessons from DU’s role in military history.

Depleted uranium production

Depleted uranium is a little-known but crucial byproduct of uranium enrichment. In this video, we break down how DU is produced, its role in nuclear fuel cycles, and why it matters for energy, defense, and the environment. You’ll learn about the enrichment process, how much uranium is left behind, and what happens to depleted uranium after production.

As part of the TOXLEARN4EU initiative, this video provides a clear and engaging look at the science, safety measures, and geopolitical concerns surrounding DU.

Whether you’re a toxicology student, a nuclear industry professional, or just curious about the hidden side of nuclear technology, this is the perfect place to start.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of depleted uranium production and its global impact!

The main producers of depleted uranium in the world

Who are the world’s top producers of depleted uranium, and why does it matter? This video covers everything you need to know, from uranium mining and enrichment to international trade and regulations. We break down the role of key players exploring the geopolitical and environmental consequences of uranium production.

As part of TOXLEARN4EU, this lesson helps modernize toxicology education and raise awareness about uranium’s impact on global industries.

Stay informed, understand the risks, and get a comprehensive look at the complex world of depleted uranium.

Watch now to expand your knowledge on one of the most controversial elements in global trade.

Gulf war – the first use of depleted uranium ammunition

What happens when war leaves a toxic footprint? In this lesson, we examine the first massive use of depleted uranium during the Gulf War and its long-term effects on human health and the environment. From increased cancer rates in affected communities to the contamination of food and water, the consequences of Depleted Uranium exposure are deeply concerning. Historical testing in Hawaii and Puerto Rico also shows alarming trends that remain relevant today.

We explore the science behind these risks and what they mean for modern toxicology.

Learn more with TOXLEARN4EU and be part of the conversation on war’s unseen impact.

Module 4: Biomonitoring of DU, metabolism and toxicity in humans

Exposure pathways to depleted uranium

Explore the science of depleted uranium exposure in this informative module presented by Sanin Haveric, part of the TOXLEARN4EU project. This lecture covers the health and environmental risks associated with uranium’s chemical and radiological toxicity. Learn how high-energy alpha particles and industrial activities make this heavy metal a pressing issue in toxicology.

With clear explanations of exposure pathways and real-world implications, this video provides a valuable resource for understanding one of the most concerning toxicants today.

Whether you’re studying toxicology or want to deepen your knowledge, this lesson offers actionable insights and clarity.

Toxicity of depleted uranium

Depleted uranium (DU) has low radioactivity but remains in the environment as fine dust or deep-penetrating fragments. Exposure to depleted uranium affects multiple systems, leading to kidney, respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune dysfunction. It contributes to DNA damage, reproductive toxicity, bone accumulation, and possible cancer risks (e.g., Gulf War and Balkan Syndromes). Depleted uranium toxicity involves oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, cell death, and inflammation.

Once ingested, most of depleted uranium is excreted, though a fraction accumulates in bones and kidneys for years. At the cellular level, uranium binds to proteins, disrupts metabolism, induces oxidative stress, and causes genetic instability, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Biomonitoring of depleted uranium – a case study

Learn how biomonitoring techniques revolutionize the way we detect and understand depleted uranium exposure in this informative video. Using biological samples like blood, urine, hair, and nails, scientists uncover the pathways and health risks associated with uranium contamination. With tools like inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we delve into uranium isotopic analysis and the role of biomarkers in identifying exposure and assessing long-term risks.

Whether you’re exploring toxicology for education, research, or personal curiosity, this video from the TOXLEARN4EU project bridges cutting-edge science with practical applications, empowering you to understand the connection between environment and health.

Stay informed and explore the fascinating intersection of biology, chemistry, and health.

Module 5: DU effects – air and soil

Fate and transport of depleted uranium in the environment

Welcome to the “Air, Water, and Soil” course, where Sabina Zero guides you through the critical topic of depleted uranium’s environmental effects. As part of the TOXLEARN4EU project, this lecture examines how depleted uranium interacts with air, water, and soil, revealing its pathways of contamination and impact. From its radiological properties to its migration through ecosystems, this video provides essential insights for understanding and addressing uranium’s toxic effects.

Whether you’re studying toxicology or simply curious about environmental science, this module offers the knowledge you need to understand and mitigate uranium’s risks to the environment and human health.

Gain the tools to assess the risks of uranium exposure, understand its ecological effects, and appreciate the importance of safeguarding our environment.

Depleted uranium and environmental impact studies

Depleted uranium was first extensively used by U.S. forces during the Gulf War in 1991 and later in the Balkan conflicts between 1995 and 1999. As a result, approximately 320 tons of DU were released into the environment in Iraq and Kuwait, while smaller amounts—ranging from one to 11 tons—were dispersed across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Environmental assessments in the Balkans have detected DU contamination primarily at munition impact sites, with most of it localized in the immediate vicinity of the impact holes. Factors influencing DU dispersion and exposure include soil composition, climate, hydrogeology, and land use. Environmental monitoring typically involves radiation and chemical contamination surveys using portable equipment and sample collection from affected sites.

One key assessment, conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2002, investigated DU contamination in Bosnia and Herzegovina following airstrikes on armored vehicles and artillery positions in 1994 and 1995. This study provided valuable insights into the long-term environmental behavior of DU. Similarly, a 2006 study by Jia et al. analyzed DU contamination in biological and water samples, revealing traces of DU in air and water, though at concentrations below WHO guidelines for drinking water safety. Further research by Žunić et al. (2008) used gamma and alpha spectrometry to measure DU in mosses, lichens, fungi, and soil samples from targeted areas in the Balkans. Their findings confirmed the presence of DU in certain environmental samples, though not in residential areas. Additionally, Saračević et al. (2003) identified increased radiation levels in soil at specific DU munition impact sites in Hadžići, Bosnia and Herzegovina. More recently, a 2015 study by Nuhanović et al. assessed long-term DU contamination by analyzing groundwater and moss samples collected in 2013. Their results highlighted the need for ongoing radioecological assessments and population exposure evaluations.

It is essential that DU-contaminated sites are decontaminated and that affected materials are safely disposed of following regulatory guidelines. Continued environmental monitoring, particularly of water sources, is crucial to assess long-term impacts and mitigate potential risks.

Module 6: Environmental and food chain effects

Depleted uranium effects on plants and soil microbiome

Depleted uranium (DU) poses significant risks to plant health by disrupting growth, metabolism, and nutrient uptake. DU exposure leads to stunted root and shoot growth, morphological anomalies such as deformed leaves, and impaired photosynthesis due to chlorophyll disruption. Root structures become less developed, limiting water and nutrient absorption.

On a metabolic level, DU induces oxidative stress, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage plant cells. It disrupts nutrient uptake, particularly iron and phosphate, exacerbating deficiencies and leading to chlorosis (leaf yellowing). Prolonged exposure alters gene expression, interferes with energy metabolism, and results in uranium bioaccumulation in plant tissues, posing risks to the food chain.

DU’s mobility in soil depends on its chemical form, pH, and environmental conditions. Acidic soils increase uranium solubility and plant uptake, intensifying toxicity. DU corrosion releases uranium over decades, contributing to long-term soil contamination. Its presence affects soil microbial communities, particularly fungi and bacteria, disrupting nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.

Interestingly, DU can enhance iron availability in certain conditions by displacing inactive iron from iron-phosphate complexes, potentially benefiting plant growth under specific nutrient constraints. However, this paradoxical effect is overshadowed by its overall toxicity.

In agriculture, high DU concentrations significantly reduce crop yield and nutrient quality. The risk of uranium entering the food chain raises concerns about food safety and long-term environmental health, highlighting the need for effective contamination management strategies.

Sources, intake and accumulation of depleted uranium in farm animals

Depleted uranium (DU) primarily enters the environment through military activities, contaminating soil and water and affecting agriculture. DU accumulates in soil, with higher concentrations near military sites, and can enter farm animals through contaminated feed, water, or inhalation of dust. Young animals absorb more DU due to their developing physiology, and soluble uranium compounds are more toxic, accumulating in kidneys, bones, and soft tissues.

Exposure to DU can cause cognitive and behavioral impairments, kidney damage, reproductive toxicity, immunosuppression, and increased mortality in livestock. Ruminants and non-ruminants metabolize DU differently due to variations in digestion, absorption, and toxicokinetics. DU exposure can reduce growth rates, fertility, and milk production while increasing disease susceptibility and chronic health issues.

Symptoms of DU toxicity include renal and respiratory distress, lethargy, growth retardation, and skin conditions. Acute exposure can cause immediate renal effects, while chronic exposure leads to long-term organ damage. DU can also accumulate in meat and milk, posing food safety risks. Effective monitoring and regulation are essential to prevent DU contamination in the agricultural supply chain and protect both animal and human health.

Module 7: Decontamination approaches

How heavy metals affect plants

Heavy metals pose a serious threat to plant health by disrupting nutrient uptake, damaging cellular functions, inducing oxidative stress, and causing significant morphological changes. As a result, plants exposed to high levels of these metals often exhibit poor growth and reduced productivity.

Long-term exposure, for example, to depleted uranium may also pose risks through bioaccumulation in the food chain, potentially affecting herbivores and higher trophic levels. However, certain plants exhibit mechanisms (e.i. absorption, ROS management, adaptation mechanisms, gene expression modulation, chelation and detoxification) that may help mitigate the harmful effects of heavy metal exposure.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to enhance plant resilience against heavy metal pollution, which is increasingly relevant in the context of environmental sustainability and food security.

Complete lecture duration including two recommended readings may take about 2 hours.

Mechanisms of phytoremediation and phytoextraction of DU

Phytoremediation is an innovative and sustainable technology that utilizes plants to remove, stabilize, or detoxify pollutants from the environment, particularly from contaminated soils and water. Among the various contaminants, depleted uranium (DU) poses significant environmental and health risks due to its radiotoxicity and chemical toxicity.

Phytoremediation encompasses several strategies, including phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration. By leveraging the natural capabilities of plants to uptake and accumulate pollutants, these methods provide a sustainable approach to environmental remediation.

Complete lecture duration including five recommended readings may take about 3.5 hours.